Medical Malpractice Cases Against AdventHealth Tampa
$10.65 million judgment against AdventHealth
December 19, 2025
Septic shock following a surgical procedure
Freidin Brown, P.A.'s attorneys recently litigated a case in which a client’s husband died from septic shock following a surgical procedure.The septic shock was caused by an infection from a leakage of bowel contents into his abdominal cavity that went undetected by his medical team. The case resulted in a $10.65 million judgment against AdventHealth.
Unfortunately, our firm sees many cases involving infections that get out of control and wreak havoc on patients and their families. They fall into several categories.
Infections Caused During the Course of Negligent Medical Care
One common type of hospital-acquired infection comes from neglect of open wounds or leakage of bowel contents from an inadvertent nick of a bowel or other organ. Generally, an accidental incision to a bowel or an adjacent organ can happen even without negligence; however, it’s usually the medical team’s failure to detect the incision or perforation that amounts to medical negligence.
These errors can happen even with highly skilled and trained surgeons. While most surgical errors like these are not negligence, we become suspicious when the nick takes place at a location farther from the operative site than should be expected.
But, by far, the most common cases we accept involving hospital-acquired infections are like our recent case against AdventHealth.
Medical Malpractice Leaves Our Clients Paying the Price
In the case we represented, the patient was undergoing gastric bypass surgery when the surgeon cut the bowel but failed to notice a small balloon-like appearance at the operation site. Had the surgeon noticed this issue, he could have easily repaired it and avoided the infection that killed our client’s husband.
What happened next is, unfortunately, far too common in our hospitals. The balloon-like structure in the bowel then leaked fecal matter into the abdominal cavity. Over the next two days, the patient showed increasing signs of infection, such as elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and unexpectedly high levels of pain, but the nurses and the surgeon weren’t paying attention.
The patient had a fever, elevated heart rate, and abnormal lab results, but by the time doctors and nurses connected these symptoms to a possible perforation, it was too late to save him. He died shortly after from a very preventable situation that spiraled out of control.
The Pre-Filing Requirements for a Florida Medical Malpractice Case
Florida medical malpractice laws require injured patients to complete specific steps before filing a lawsuit. These cases are subject to…
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Our Team Sees Medical Negligence Too Frequently
This is a case we have seen dozens of times. Nurses often ignore signs of a minor infection, such as elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, low oxygen levels, and elevated white blood cell counts.
These and other signs and symptoms are something that any reasonably trained nurse or doctor should notice and address. Antibiotics are the most important treatment for infection and could easily save a life, but one provider's error can mean a lifetime of loss.
When you or a loved one is in the hospital, don’t stay quiet if you are concerned about vital signs and lab results. Speak up to save your life or the life of a loved one. If you or a loved one suffered a hospital-acquired infection due to malpractice, Freidin Brown, P.A. is here to help you today.
What Our Clients Are Saying
TESTIMONIALS
Learn more about what our clients in Florida have to say about Freidin Brown. Every one of these satisfied clients was once in your position, facing a life-changing event and wondering where to turn next. We gave them the legal support they needed to move forward.
Jonathan Freidin is truly an outstanding lawyer and passionate about what he does, which shows greatly in his quality work. I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan, as well as Phil Freidin and others on the team, who handled my case with utmost professionalism. I was impressed not only by the team’s extensive knowledge, effective communication and responsiveness, but also by how kind, warm and supportive they were with me during such a difficult time that made me feel comfortable and in good hands. Jonathan went above and beyond to fight for the best interest of my case and very grateful for his diligent work on a successful outcome. I highly recommend this exceptional firm!
My family is forever grateful to the entire team at Freidin Brown. The A-Team in law. Everyone was very professional, courteous and truly inspiring. The attention, dedication, detail and especially patience during this very long case was remarkable. Outstanding outcome… Truly thankful to everyone (Jonathan and Phil). I highly recommend Freidin Brown to my friends and family!!!!!
I would like to thank Joel Brown and his amazing team. It was a long road and Mr. Brown was there every step to help me and guide me in the right direction. His whole office is amazing they are on top of everything. Honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better firm to represent me. Thank you Mr. Brown for helping me – you are kind, caring, and passionate.
You and your staff are simply the best. Jonathan I would like to say I proud of the manner in which you conducted yourself toward my family matter. You are my mentor and someone that I look up to. . . . I will always remember you and would highly recommend you to any family and friends. Thankful from the heart.
On behalf of my family I would love to thank Jonathan, Phil, and the staff of Freidin Brown for showing what true representation and professionalism is to a client when at their lowest. Jonathan walked us through every step of the way. Words cannot describe the many thanks. Jonathan, I want you to know I will recommend you to anyone who would love true professional representation from an attorney. Wishing you a long and successful future.
